Souhegan football taking it up a notch on defense this season

Robin Bowkett doesn't have to study film too hard to figure out how the Souhegan High School football team was able to pull out a win against Bishop Guertin last week.

The Sabers' defense bent, but didn't break, early on and finished the game with seven takeaways, four of which came in the final quarter.

While the final score - Souhegan won 17-7 - might show some of the early-season struggles on offense, the fact the Sabers have allowed only one total touchdown in two games this season makes it clear how locked in the defense has been.

"I can't say enough about the defense," Bowkett said. "With (assistant coaches) JT Anderson calling it and Brandon O'Connell helping out, they've done a great job. It's all about the players. They totally bought in and it helps that they're experienced guys.

"They're getting lined up, getting off blocks, running to the football and tackling decently well."

It starts for Souhegan with senior Mike Maroun in the middle of the defense while senior defensive ends Will Boyle and Alex Karpawich have provided pressure from the line.

"Maroun sets the tone with his toughness and tenacity," Bowkett said. "Boyle and Karpawich have been relentless off the edge. We have solid guys in the middle. Riley Lawhorn is a beast no matter where we put him."

The secondary has four experienced players in seniors Luke Manning, Jake Civiello and Reese Colby and junior Dylan Button. Senior Dexter Healey and juniors Mitch Hauser and Tony Garrant have solidified the linebacking position.

"Guys understand where they fit in the defense, they're doing their 111th," Bowkett said. "It basically means doing your job. They understand what their job is on each play, what happens if they run to you or run away from you. It's understanding where the help is. Guys aren't thinking, they're just going out and flying around."

Bowkett believes the offense will come around, not only with more practice time, but as the Sabers continue to compete against other teams.

A big part of that belief is due to the progression of senior quarterback Austin Jain.

"Austin is our trigger man," Bowkett said. "He is going to be consistent and he's more comfortable. He's a better athlete than he was a year ago."

Outside of strong play from the quarterback position, it could be a different guy stepping up for Souhegan every week. In the team's season-opening win against Hollis Brookline, it was Lawhorn who carried the offense on the ground.

Against Bishop Guertin, it was Manning who came up big in the passing game while Civiello has caught a pair of touchdowns this season.

"The great thing with our offense, it's not always going to be one guy," Bowkett said. "We have a couple of guys we want to get the ball to week in and week out. Luke and Riley and AJ (Jain), those are the guys who are going to need to get the ball in their hands."

Souhegan goes on the road for the first time this year, but won't travel very far. The Sabers will take on Milford on Friday at 6:30 p.m., with the Spartans coming off their first game of the year, a 26-24 win over HB.

Last season, the Sabers were the only team to beat Milford during the regular season.

"It's always fun when we get together," Bowkett said. "I hope we can keep doing this each week and keep going all the way to Thanksgiving. The way the kids have been at practice and in games, we're cherishing every moment. They're not taking anything for granted and it's fun to go to practice every day."